There is a lot of debate over what makes a good opener. For 25-30 years people have argued about what type of set or music an opening act should play and whether or not they should tone it down. At the end of the night, a DJ that reads the room, has deep crates, and builds trust with the dance floor becomes the ultimate support artist.
For almost as long as there have been live performances, there has been supporting artistsS. The main act is never alone, at grassroots events supporting artists are the key to community. It is the liaison between the ‘industry’ and the ravers. Underground artist that support grassroot events often carry fan bases rooted in relationship. These relationships are the foundation and body of the scene. Without the underground, large-scale events don’t exist. Without the underground, there is no scene.
READ THE ROOM Everyone has heard it, but what does that actually mean? What does that look like? It starts even before arriving at the gig. A good DJ is already considering who their audience is, the venue, the lineup of artists, and the type of event. It’s not only about what music will be played, but who the DJ is playing for. Once in the booth, the right opener will warm up the room based on the temperature of the floor. Attendees at the bar and conversations are not to compete with; they just need a proper invitation to the dance floor.
DEEP CRATES Opening DJs need deep crates to effectively serve the room. No matter how dialed in to the floor the DJ is, they cannot play the right tune at the right time if it is not in their collection. An experienced DJ often carries a large collection of music whereas the underground talent is most likely bringing locally sourced tracks and vibes. Recognizing the needs of the dance floor may require more than “one-size-fits-all” approach. The opening act is going to set the tone for the night, (good or bad). Make sure the opener has good taste, a Selector DJ.
BUILDING TRUST Let’s face it: the crowd may only be there for the headliner. A DJ that understands how to build trust with the dance floor is essential to the vibe. In the hours leading up to the main act, the support artist has a job: to get the people on the floor energized and ready to ‘lose their minds for the main set.’ A good opener is playing something familiar to warm up a cold dance floor. They prepare the room with increasingly energizing tunes. The opening act is building a set that inspires the dancers to “stay for one more song.” Building trust includes playing tunes that are NOT the headliner’s music (unless asked). Building trust includes getting everyone on the floor, moving, and excited for the main event. The room is going to remember the way the DJ made them feel. The attendees remember if they felt welcomed to the floor and their anticipation was high or low. If the floor goes crazy, the headliner looks good, leading to overall success.
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It is important to mention that many of the arguments surrounding support acts are about upstaging the headliner. As a hired artist, do your art. As the DJ and the one responsible for the dance, do what is right for the night.
Many of the greats have preached:
Don’t ever get bigger than the music.
The moment you think it is about you,
you have lost the plot.
It has always been about the music.
One Love.
